Seahawks mainstay Cortez Kennedy joins Hall of Fame

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CANTON, Ohio (AP) - Cortez Kennedy grew into the game's top defensive tackle during his 11 seasons with Seattle, able to stop the run or rush the quarterback. His excellence got him into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Kennedy was inducted Saturday night as part of a six-man group that included four linemen. Kennedy made eight Pro Bowls during his career.

Even though Seattle went 2-14 in 1992 and Kennedy got double-teamed, he was so good that he was chosen the league's best defensive player.

Dermontti Dawson, Chris Doleman, Curtis Martin, Willie Roaf and Jack Butler also were inducted. Kennedy chose Dixie Fraley Keller, the widow of his longtime agent and friend Robert Fraley, to present him. Fraley died in a plane crash in 1999 along with golfer Payne Stewart.

Kennedy was the third overall selection in the 1990 draft by the Seahawks. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 1991. In 1992, he recorded 14 quarterback sacks and received the NFL Defensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press.

Kennedy retired after the 2000 season. In 167 games with Seattle, he recorded 668 tackles, 58 sacks, and 3 interceptions, according to Wikipedia.

He is generally considered one of the best defensive tackles to ever play the position in the NFL.